Licks Using Scales with 4 Notes per String
by Don Lappin
Hello!
For my final article, I thought it would be fun to show you a few licks involving scales using four notes per string. I began experimenting with four-note-per-string scales about ten or twelve years ago. They have completely changed my approach to organizing the fretboard.
Just as in my past articles, I tap the four notes per string using two left-hand fingers followed by two right-hand fingers. This allows me to play very fast passages easily because I am dividing the playing equally between my two hands. The first lick below is in the key of G Major. Be sure to start off slowly playing along with a metronome. If possible, stick to the indicated fingerings. Also, be sure that your pull-offs are in an upwards motion. This is especially important when playing a descending line.
Audio Examples 1 and 2
The next lick is in the key of G Phrygian Dominant. G Phrygian Dominant is the 5th mode of C Harmonic Minor. As you switch strings, be sure that the notes are clearly separated. They shouldn't be allowed to ring out together at all. It is very easy to accidentally leave a right-hand finger down while your left hand frets the next note on the next string. To remedy this, I lift my fingers off the fretboard slightly (as I switch hands and strings) to separate the notes. Go ahead and listen to the lick. It’s my favorite of the three.
Audio Examples 3 and 4
The last lick is in the key of A Relative Minor or A Aeolian. The A Relative Minor is the 6th mode of C Major. I find this one to be a little harder to "visualize". Take your time with it and start off slow. Here’s the lick:
Audio Examples 5 and 6
Well, that's about it. I really enjoyed writing this series of articles for Guitar Sessions. It is always fun to share a few licks and ideas with my fellow players. I hope you enjoyed my articles and got something worthwhile from them.
Take care!
Don Lappin
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